Experts discuss the risk of severe human illness and state of emergency due to bird flu.

Bird flu (H5N1) continues to spark warnings around the country.

The CDC confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in a human in the US on Dec. 13.

According to a release from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), the patient residing in southwestern Louisiana is currently hospitalized.

The source stated that the infected person was exposed to sick and dead birds that are "suspected to have been infected."

The department of LDH is collaborating with the CDC on genomic testing of the virus affecting the hospitalized patient. Planet Chronicle Digital sought comment from the department.

Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 human cases across the country.

The CDC maintains its stance that the risk to the public is low because no human-to-human transmission has been reported.

On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over the bird flu, despite the low risk.

According to a news release on the governor's website, an outbreak of the virus among dairy cows in Southern California farms has led to a declaration.

Newsom stated that this proclamation is a specific measure to provide government agencies with the necessary resources and adaptability to promptly address the current outbreak.

He continued, "We are dedicated to enhancing California's testing and monitoring system, which is the largest in the country, in order to safeguard public health, support our agricultural sector, and provide Californians with accurate and current information."

"We will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus, even though the risk to the public remains low."

Doctors reflect on bird flu risk

The director of AI and life sciences at Northeastern University in Boston stated that the "tragic case" in Louisiana demonstrates the "prevalence" of H5N1 in the U.S.

He told Planet Chronicle Digital that it emphasizes the gravity of the situation we are in.

"We need to take more decisive action to control the spread of H5N1 in animal populations."

"To prevent the spread of H5N1 in humans, we must take more decisive action in controlling its spread in animal populations. However, until this is achieved, we can expect to see more human spillover cases, some of which may be severe."

Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and a Planet Chronicle senior medical analyst, stated that this severe case is only one example of the infection and should not be cause for alarm.

"We cannot determine if the condition is worsening in humans based on one case alone," he stated to Planet Chronicle Digital. "Further information about the patient's specific medical history is necessary."

The current outbreak of bird flu in the U.S. has resulted in only "very mild" cases in humans, according to Siegel.

The fact that the virus is mutating away from severity, as traditionally H5N1 makes humans very sick, is a positive sign, according to him.

The doctor advises that the most crucial aspect to monitor is the possibility of human-to-human transmission of bird flu.

Siegel stated that the main concern is preventing the entry of the substance into the upper respiratory tract of humans.

"Up until now, it hasn't occurred, and that's due to the need for mutations, at least one. We're monitoring it, but not closely enough."

The spread of the virus into the cattle population and milk is a major concern for many people, including the speaker, who stated that the majority of recent human cases have originated from direct contact with animals.

Dr. Rebecca C. Christofferson, an associate professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at Louisiana State University, spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital about the possibility of a pandemic.

"Nobody wants another pandemic."

"Bird flu, a type of influenza virus, mainly affects bird populations but has occasionally jumped to other species, including humans, she informed Planet Chronicle Digital."

As the virus spreads from mammal to mammal, the greater the concern that it will adapt to mammals and become more easily transmissible among them, ultimately leading to a spillover into humans, according to Christofferson.

"Nobody wants another pandemic."

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Cristofferson stated that protecting oneself from catching bird flu is straightforward.

"When dealing with birds, suspected ill animals, or ill people, wearing gloves, masks, and washing your hands can safeguard you from respiratory viruses, just as it does with other illnesses."